Five Best Ways To Have a Fabulous Fall Picnic

Summer time is probably the most regaled season to have a fabulous picnic. It has all the desired elements – long sunny days, cool drinks, and cute dresses. It’s the season we most equate with alfresco entertaining and frolicking in the park with friends enjoying summer picnics. That said, I’m going to opine that the autumn season is probably one of best times to have a fabulous fall picnic. How can you go wrong when you’re surrounded by the crisp autumn air and beautiful colorful foliage. In the fall, you can still find pockets of gorgeous weather. Moreover, experiencing a bout of Indian summer is not unusual and I like to take advantage of those days where possible.

Also, the best thing is that there are fewer bugs, you are less apt to be annoyed by pesky mosquitoes. That alone is a great idea to have a  perfect fall picnic in the great outdoors.

fabulous fall picnic

A Scenic Picnic Location

Normally in the fall choosing a great spot only enhances the overall vibe of your fabulous fall picnic. The best thing about being outdoors is that you have the most beautiful backdrop at your disposable and for free. I like to pick a clean picturesque spot that showcases the vibrant fall colors of that time of year. Parks, lakesides, botanical gardens, or even your own backyard can be great options. I really like to pick a local park that has a special feature such as a beautiful bridge and river. This is especially nice because it’s interesting to watch the boats and ferries sail by. Some parks even have covered pavilions you can use for your picnic.

In New York, there are parks that have lakes where you can take a rowboat out well into the fall season.  Many parks offer carriage rides, rickshaws, and movie nights.  These are great added bonuses and a fun way to add a special element to your outing while enjoying fresh air. 

Another great location would be a local farm.  At this time of year, pumpkin patches are great fun.  Local farms tends to have great harvest season activities like a corn maze or hayride.  This would be a great choice for a late summer outing.  Pick a great spot under a canopy of a tree and colorful leaves to surround yourself in the fall atmosphere. 

Fall Inspired Picnic Decor

Go ahead and use the rich hues of fall foliage in the theme of your picnic. Since the lush green landscaping will start to give way to gorgeous shades of burnt oranges, auburn, and crimson red. You have perfect palettes right at your-finger tips. Incorporate decorations and colors in your table design, such as pillows, cozy picnic blanket, table ware, glassware. In addition, use the bounty of the season such as pumpkins, gourds, figs, grapes, blood oranges, and pomegranates in your overall design. Seasonal floral arrangements or dried floral bouquets can add just the right touch. Some fall flowers you can considers in your fall arrangements are chrysanthemums, pansies, sunflowers, anemone, aster, and hydrangeas.

Make your area extra comfortable by piling up the warm blankets and adding large pillows in every corner. Throw blankets are especially nice if they are plush and fuzzy.  This will add warmth to the overall look.  If you’re having a backyard fabulous fall picnic, this is the perfect time to add string lights.  This added touch will only enhance the atmosphere with a warm glow from the twinkling lights.  

Fun Entertainment and Picnic Games

If you’re having a group of friends, having a fun ice breaker is always great to have on hand as people arrive. Conversation cards, heart shaped sunnies, Jenga, Uno, Scrabble, and Badminton are all engaging games. Having these on hand is a great way to enhance your best picnic experience. Some other outdoor activities to keep folks entertained include: 

  • A friendly game of frisbee.
  • A scavenger hunt 
  • Music playing from a portable speaker
  • Polaroid camera photo session
  • Setting up a cozy spot for board games or card games

Fall Inspired Picnic Menu

To play up to the season use some of autumn bounty to elevate your fabulous fall picnic. In your menu using bountiful charcuterie boards laden with cured meats, nuts and cheese, spiced donuts can add to coziness. Don’t be afraid to hit up your local deli or gourmet market for sandwiches and desserts. Easy handheld yummy foods are ideal. The point is to have fun not to sweat it out in a hot kitchen.

As for drinks, you might bring along a thermos with hot drinks such as coffee or hot chocolate to warm you in the cool air. Another option for the cooler weather that would carry well would be a warm soup. Also, warm drinks like apple cider, flavored sparkling juice, mulled wine, or even red wine if you’re feeling fancy.  

Picnic Essentials Checklist

  • blankets
  • pillows
  • water & paper towels, napkins
  • plates & bowls
  • cutlery
  • serving utensils
  • cups
  • wine glasses
  • bottle opener
  • paring knife
  • damp wipes or cloths for washing up
  • garbage bags
  • hand santizer
  • bug spray
  • disinfecting wipes

Final Tips to Ensure a Great Time For A Fabulous Fall Picnic

Note, before picking the best time, consult the weather forecast and be prepared for cooler temps.  Pack layers, including jackets and sweaters. Armed with these fun ideas, you can create a memorable and fabulous fall picnic that celebrates the beauty of the season. Go ahead, grab your picnic tables, a picnic basket full of goodies and spend some quality time with family and friends at your next fall picnic.  This is an extensive list and can seem a bit overwhelming and requiring  much effort.  To make things easier you can engage the services of a picnic service such Petite Fete Table. This event planning company will deliver your beautiful picnic without you having to lift a finger.

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    A Luxurious Picnic Is What You Absolutely Need to Host Now! 

    Did you that it’s peak luxurious picnic time now? Every season a new hot trend hits the social gathering scene.  First it was the bottomless mimosa brunches, then boho glamping and now it luxurious picnic time.  Don’t get me wrong, brunching and glamping will always be amazing.  Because, as we all know, at the heart of all memorable experiences is simply a gathering of friends coupled with cute yummy food.  Add a beautifully set table in the park, at the beach, your living room – you have the perfect recipe for the ultimate indulgence: the luxurious picnic.

    Coming off the pandemic, one thing for certain is that we as humans crave social connections. We want this time to be as memorable and as beautiful as possible. I recently had such an experience. It was glorious. A fabulous picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park styled by PetiteFeteTable and documented by the talented wanderluster Daphney of Daphney Boutin Photography.

    Blue Picnic

    What is a luxurious picnic?

    With so many “luxury” picnic companies popping up it seems apt to define I think the term luxurious. First off,  a service named luxury, just does not make it so.  To me, you really know it when you see it. Luxurious picnic tablescaping evokes a feeling that transports you to a place that fuels all of your sensory emotions.  It is the compilation of a beautifully designed tablecape offering a feast for the eyes. A perfectly coordinated, tablescape composed of dinnerware, cutlery and glasses, which receive their decorative finish with artfully folded napkins, carefully arranged candles or lush flower arrangements. 

    While the details vary, the premise is that you—and your bae or girl gang  gather around a whimsical display to eat beautiful, delicious food and cocktails and enjoy each other’s company.

    What Are The Best Luxurious Picnic Locations?

    The best place to host a luxury picnic is anywhere you feel comfortable gathering with friends.  Popular venues includes beautiful scenic parks, a pavilion, the beach, your backyard, historic grounds, garden, inside your living room, a front porch, a back deck.  Really anywhere there is space for a lovely gathering of your favorite crew.

    Picnic in the park

    When Should I host a Luxury Picnic?

    You can host a luxurious picnic for any reason.  My favorite reason is just because. Other possibilities are proposal, bridal shower, bachelorette, or rehearsal dinner, team building, brand celebration, big promotion.  Don’t forget to theme it!   Be it a painting night, movie night, date night.   You  could be planning a birthday, anniversary, bridal shower, micro wedding reception.  

    Picnic in the Park

    Go Ahead! Book A Luxury Picnic

    Hosting a luxurious picnic is an experience that elevates your senses, creates cherished memories, and lets you indulge in life’s finer pleasures. So go ahead, pick your favorite spot, gather your loved ones, and embark on a picnic adventure like no other. You won’t regret it! One such service delivering the very best in luxury picnics is Petite Fete Table. Located in the New York City Area, they are truly one to watch.

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      Access Free Art for Your Home

      Acquiring art for your home is something that can be both adventurous and daunting. Filling your home with beautiful art pieces will undoubtedly make your spaces more dynamic and interesting. It’s a process that takes time and patience. Best described as a labor of love. But, trust me, you will feel crushed when you find an art piece that you fall completely in love, only to be blown away by an exorbitant price tag. But not to worry. Did you know that you can access free art for your home for free? Yes, I said for free. Right now there are over three million piece of art available for you to use as you see fit.

      white flower free art

      What is the Public Domain?

      The public domain is a collection of works that are not protected by intellectual property rights. Fun fact: you can access free art for your home that is in the public domain freely to copy, modify, sell and distribute. What’s more, is that you don’t need permission or to pay the original creator. Did you know that many of the art pieces selling right now on Etsy today are from the public domain? Talk about a side hustle!

      Included in the public domain are books, music, art, photographs, films, and scientific discoveries that are no longer protected by intellectual property law.

      oranges free art

      Where Can You Find Free Art Online?

      Museums, art galleries and libraries are the best sources for free printable art. Now, don’t get me wrong it will take some time to sift through to find just the right piece. Also, when you do find the right piece, it may need to some clean up. A great place to start looking for free art is A Home Is Announced. Categorized and curated by genre, theme and color this shop makes starting the process easy. Also, linked below is a list of some other sources to help in art research.

      1. The Met Collection 
      2. Wikimedia Commons 
      3. National Gallery of Art 
      4. Raw Pixel 
      5. Smithsonian Open Access 
      6. John J. Audubon’s Birds of America
      7. Public Domain Review 
      8. Old Book Illustrations 
      9. The British Library 
      10. Art Institute of Chicago 
      11. The Cleveland Museum of Art 
      12. Harvard Art Museums 
      13. The Getty 
      14. Library of Congress 
      15. National Gallery of Art 
      16. New York Public Library 
      17. Yale University Art Gallery  
      18. Picryl 

      What can you do with your found art

      Once you have your art selected, you can download a high resolution copy right to your computer. You are free to print it, upload to your devices, curate a gallery wall and even sell it. There so many ways to style your home and having access to free art for your home is so clutch. Hanging beautiful artwork is a key component in having a unique and stylish home. Happy hunting!

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      • MoWow! Did not know this! Great post! Thank you! ReplyCancel

        • ahouseonguilfordI actually just learned this myself. I was blown away to learn all this information about free art. I found some really cool pieces.ReplyCancel

      Pink and Red Galentine’s Inspiration

      What can be more fun than a Pink and Red Galentine’s Inspiration. Of course these colors have always been synonymous with the occasion but definitely no less special. Even more exciting is that Pantone has named their 2023 color of the year as Viva Magenta 18-1750. Viva Magenta is a signal of strength, inclusivity, and self-expression. What is Pantone you might ask? The Pantone Color System, or PMS, is a standardized color matching system, which is widely used around the world. It was devised to help printers and designers to specify and control colors for printing projects. This mean you will be seeing this color trend creep up all year long. You’ll be seeing it in bold interiors, fashion runways, cosmetic counters and so many other places. I am actually pretty partial to all shades of pink – you can say it’s my favorite color. ‘

      All Shades of Pink Match Together

      When following a Pink and Red Galentine’s Inspiration, don’t get bogged with which shade of pink. As you see all shades of pink and red tend to marry well together. You can use the colors in the tablescape, napkins, dishes, glassware, and of course the flowers. I love how the pink and red was use in the hanging floral wreath. Creates such a special ethereal touch.

      Steps to Style a Pink and Red Galentine’s Inspiration:

      1. Choose a color scheme: Red and pink are the primary colors for Galentine’s Day, so make sure to incorporate these colors into your table setting, décor, and menu.
      2. Set the table: Use pink tablecloths or table runners and red plates and napkins to set the mood. You can also add rose petals or other pink and red flowers as a centerpiece.
      3. Create a menu: Plan a menu that includes pink and red foods, such as strawberries, watermelon, cherry tomatoes, and beet salad. You can also serve pink-themed drinks, such as rose wine or pink lemonade.
      4. Decorate the space in a pink and red galentine’s inspiration: Use balloons, banners, and streamers in pink and red to add a festive touch to the space. You can also add candles, fairy lights, or other lighting elements to create a warm and romantic atmosphere.
      5. Have fun: Make sure to have plenty of conversation starters, games, and music to keep the evening lively and enjoyable for everyone.

      Pink and red table view

      By following these steps, you can create a stylish and memorable dinner with this Pink and Red Galentine’s Inspiration that celebrates the special bond between you and your friends.

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        At Home Coffee Bar

        Having spent way too much money at Starbucks I decided why not have my own at home coffee bar set up. Living through the pandemic made me realize how useful having a little dedicated area for coffee and tea would be. With many families working from home it just makes perfect sense to enjoy a few comforts at home. No need to disturb your morning routine by running out to get that perfect french vanilla latte. You can have all the accoutrement to curate that same experience at home.

        at home coffee bar

        Where to Set-Up your Coffee Station

        I definitely had dreams of splurging on one of those new sleek built-in coffee machines. These machines integrate right into your kitchen cabinetry. I think it’s one of the most coveted luxury trends popping up these days. Unfortunately, I was unwilling to give up any of my much needed cabinet space. I decided the next best place for my at home coffee bar would be on my kitchen counter. If you’re trying to figure where to put yours, considered these other options. You can set them up on the tray or small table in an organized manner. You may also want to consider purchasing a small coffee cart or bookshelf to hold all of your coffee-making items and to use as a designated coffee station.

        at home coffee bar

        Choosing a Coffee Maker

        The first thing I started to research was which coffee maker I would invest in to mimic the same quality of coffee house experience with ease. Having had a few Nespresso machines in my day I knew I wanted to stick to the same brand but I was also definitely ready for an upgrade. I settled on the Breville X Nespresso Creatista Plus for my at home coffee bar. This machine hits all the right notes. A range of digital customizations allows you to make everything from a flat white, macchiato, latte, and cappuccino. With a built in milk frother – this machine was a no brainer for me.

        Coffee Bar Customizations

        This is where the fun comes in. As a base, I have a small marble tray as the foundation of my display. On the ready, I have a few glass espresso cups with a few gold spoons. I added a few gold labeled glass dispensers to put my two favorite flavored syrups – vanilla and hazelnut. I also have a small glass jar of brown sugar cubes and a few spices to complete the set. Additionally, I like to add some personal touches to my at home coffee bar, like decorating it with books, flowers, candles or some artwork. I am very pleased with my at home coffee bar. The only thing I have yet to master is my milk art. It’s a work in progress and I hope to have that perfected in short order!

        at home coffee bar setup
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          Styling Your Coffee Table with Books

          Styling your coffee table with books is the ultimate decor staple. Styling books is a creative art form on its own. Books lends themselves to any style, or any color theme. Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist, styling your coffee table with books just works. When I finally decide to wind down on the couch, wine glass in hand, nothing is more pleasing than perusing through beautiful books. They can be well styled no matter if your is table is square, rectangular, round or oval. I really enjoy looking at all the pretty things. Whether it’s a beautiful floral bouquet, perfectly fluffed cushions, or a jeweled scented candle – I find that a tower of coffee table books just enhances the layered look.

          Coffee table books styled

          Here are a few ideas to help you style your coffee table with books no matter that kind of table you have.

          1. Start with a base layer: Place a stack of books at the center of the table as a base layer. This will anchor the rest of the styling and provide a sense of balance.
          2. Mix and match: Use a variety of book sizes, colors, and textures to add visual interest. Mix hardcover and paperback books, and consider using books with different spine colors.
          3. Create a theme: Group books by color, subject or genre to create a cohesive theme. For example, you can stack all your travel books together, or group all your cookbooks in one place.
          4. Add some height: Use taller books to create height and add dimension to your table.
          5. Use accessories: Add other decorative items such as candles, vases, or flowers to complement the books. Make sure to keep the accessories small and simple so as not to overpower the books.
          6. Experiment: Try different arrangements until you find the one that you like the most. Keep in mind that it’s easy to change the look by simply swapping out a few books or accessories.
          7. Keep it tidy: Make sure that the table is clean and free of clutter, this will make the books look more attractive and organized.

          Where to Find Cool Coffee Table Books for Decor

          Here are some of my favorite places to find décor books:

          living room view of coffee table books
          • Try your neighborhood local thrift shop or used bookstore. The Good Will or Salvation Army usually has loads of options.
          • Hit up thriftbooks.com.  This site has loads old editions.
          • Need Supply if you want has a mix of new books and magazines.
          • The Strand in NYC is the place to be for new, rare, and old books.
          • Scrolling Etsy or Ebay for vintage books is also worthwhile. Can take a little digging but your sire to find some gems.

          Be sure to experiment with different arrangements and see what works best for your space.

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            Boost Creative Clarity This New Year

            As we enter the new year it’s important to take stock of the previous year to assess wins and losses to boost creative clarity this new year. Think about what you succeeded at and where you totally fell flat. I love to find a cozy place, with pen and notebook in hand, to write out my thoughts and plans for the year ahead. Whether it’s a new home project, lifestyle change, planning a party or business idea – memorializing intentions is a great way to stay on track. Also, it’s such an amazing feeling to be able to cross accomplishments off as you go.

            The new year always comes with feelings of renewed intentions and possibilities. Ride that wave as long as possible to enhance your creative clarity. Another thing I like to do is to speak about my plans out loud. Speak your intentions out to the universe. Something about hearing them out loud makes them more real. This is not about a New Year’s resolution that we start and lose steam within 2 months. This is about keeping ourselves consistent and accountable. Here are 5 ways to boost creative clarity this new year.

            Happy New Year Confetti

            Set Specific Goals to Enhance Your Creativity

            It’s important to have clear and specific goals in mind when trying to boost your creative clarity this new year. This will help you stay laser focused and motivated. For example, what is this new project? the parameters? How long is the timeline? how much is the budget?

            Experiment and try new things

            Don’t be afraid to experiment with your work. This can help stimulate your creativity and give you a fresh perspective. Also, go ahead and take a risk – you really never know where things will lead. Once you put a pinky toe in the water you will be able to put in a whole foot within no time.

            Taking Notes

            Surround yourself with inspiration

            Surround yourself with things and people that inspire and motivate you. This might include artwork, music, or other creative media. Also take a walk and observe the world around you, or visit a museum or art gallery to stimulate your creativity. Definitely surround yourself with other creative people. Working with other people can help you to think more creatively, as you can bounce ideas off each other and build on each other’s thoughts. I always find that my creative cup is enhanced after meeting with other creatives.

            Take Breaks to Boost Your Creative Clarity

            It’s important to give your mind a break so it can rest and recharge. Stepping away from your work for short periods of time can actually drive your productivity and creativity in the long run. Don’t forget to get enough rest. Getting enough sleep is crucial to enhance creative clarity. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure that you are well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead.

            Practice Mindfulness

            Taking time to focus on the present moment can help clear your mind and improve your ability to think creatively. Sometime thinking about a full project can be overwhelming. Break the project apart into micro projects. Probably more manageable that way.

            Finally, embrace mistakes and failures – instead of getting discouraged, try to see mistakes and failures as opportunities to learn and grow. This can help you to approach problems with a more open and creative mindset. Even following one or two on the above can help boost creative clarity this new year.

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              Host A Fabulous Game Night

              The week between Christmas and New Years is probably one of the best times of year. The energy around the house is super festive. It’s a perfect time to really get cozy and spend time with family just watching movies, maybe baking together, and snuggling in. With all the holiday rush and activity plans, if you are at a loss for things to do host a fun fabulous game night. Nothing is more fun than a little competition, trash talking, and good laughs.

              Why Should You Plan An Activity Night

              There are many benefits to having a fabulous family game night. Here are a few reasons why you might consider planning one:

              1. First off, strengthen family bonds. Spending quality time together as a family is a great way to strengthen your relationships. An added bonus is creating special memories. Game nights provide a fun and interactive way to do this.
              2. Encourage teamwork. Games that require collaboration can help teach your children valuable skills such as communication, listening, problem-solving, and cooperation.
              3. Boost creativity. Many games require creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, which can help boost problem-solving skills.
              4. Provide a break from screens. Game nights can provide a break from screens and encourage face-to-face interaction.
              5. Have fun. Above all, family game nights are a great way to have fun together as a family and make lasting memories.

              How to Host a Fabulous Game Night

              Game night is not only limited to only families. This is a fun activity for favorites couples night in or your girl gang gathering. The key pulling off a fun activity night is to level up the details. Here is how to host a fabulous game night.

              A Few Tips:

              1. Prepare the space. Set up a comfortable and spacious area for your guests to gather. Make sure there is enough seating and table space for everyone to play comfortably. Use comfy pillows and ottomans to make the space cozy. Lighting is important. Decorate with candles and flowers is always a no fail. Here I used game chips and dice in my decor elements to highlight the theme of the night.
              2. Provide snacks and drinks. Consider setting out a selection of handheld snacks, such as chips, popcorn, and pretzels, served alongside some beverages. Here I prepared mini Mac n Cheese, empanadas, and domino brownies. A signature game night cocktail/mocktail would be a great addition to the fun.
              3. Choose the games. Select a variety of games that will appeal to your guests. Consider the number of players, the length of the game, and the skill level required. You may want to mix up the types of games, such as board games, card games, and video games.
              4. End the night on a high note. Consider having a prize for the winners of each game. This can add an extra element of fun and competition to the night. Prizes can be a bottle of wine, movie tickets, scratch offs, or gift card.

              Overall, the key to hosting a successful game night is to make it fun and enjoyable for all of your guests. With a little planning and some good games, you can have a great time with your friends and family.

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              • MoGreat article and great ideas! Love how game night can be as simple or chic as you want it to be! ReplyCancel

              • MoGreat article and ideas! Love how game night can be as chis or simple as you want it to be! And domino brownies…how cute?!?!ReplyCancel

              Boozy Blood Orange Cocktails

              Holiday time is so fraught with so much to do and not enough time. Between the work parties, holiday shopping, and family events, it’s so hard to not feel overwhelmed. Part of the fun of the holidays is taking time to enjoy with friends and family. Are you thinking about what festive cocktails to serve at your next holiday fête? I’ve got you covered. Here are three boozy blood orange cocktail ideas for your next gathering. My favorite way to stay ahead of the fray is to have short cuts on hand. I hate feeling rushed. So, for me, that means prepping ahead.

              That’s where these 3 easy recipes for boozy blood orange cocktails come in. They all use the same do ahead blood orange simple syrup. With just 2 simple ingredients you will have a beautiful and delicious silky syrup ready to be used. Also, this syrup is so versatile, it can be used on dressings, ice cream, cakes, and even waffles.

              Why blood orange syrup you ask? Well for one, blood oranges have a seasonal beaufitul deep red and pink hue that just screams holiday. The blood orange syrup is bursting with blood orange flavor. Blood oranges have a complex flavor with floral and tart notes. Similar to navel oranges, but sweeter and less acidic. For reference, blood oranges also have a similar flavor profile to that of raspberries.

              Blood Syrup Orange Recipe

              Ingredients water, cane sugar, blood orange juice

              1. In a saucepan, add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of blood orange juice.
              2. Bring all the ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat.
              3. Stir.
              4. When the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat, cool completely.
              5. Strain syrup and store into an airtight container.

              Boozy Blood Orange Cocktail Recipes

              First up, is the Blood Orange Old Fashioned

              blood orange old fashioned

              Here is basically how to assemble the cocktail.

              1. In an old fashioned glass, add in the 1 oz blood orange syrup and muddle with a blood orange peel.
              2. Fill with ice and add in 2 oz bourbon. Stir gently.
              3. Garnish with a dehydrated blood orange slice.

              Next up, Blood Orange Margarita

              Ingredients (makes 2 mixed drinks)

              1. 3 oz silver tequila
              2. 1.5 oz triple sec
              3. 3 oz blood orange simple syrup
              4. 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
              5. ¼ cup Pink Himalayan salt ( or glass rim)
              6. Blood orange slices for garnish

              Instructions

              1. Spread salt on a small plate. Wipe the rim of two coupe glasses with a lime wedge. Dip the glasses into the salt to coat the rim.
              2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, blood orange syrup, and lime juice over ice. Shake for about 15 seconds.
              3. Strain the margarita into glasses. Garnish with blood oranges.

              Finally, the Blood Orange French 75 (makes 2 cocktails)

              Ingredients (makes 2 mixed drinks)

              1. 3 oz gin
              2. ½ oz fresh blood orange juice strained
              3. 1 oz simple syrup
              4. Ice
              5. Sparkling wine

              Instructions

              1. Add gin, strained blood orange juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
              2. Shake and pour into two champagne flutes.
              3. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a blood orange twist. Enjoy!

              Notes:

              You can store your blood orange syrup for up to a month in an airtight container or canning jar. To check if your syrup has gone bad, check for a cloudy look or off smell. I used store bought blood orange juice but you can certainly feel free to squeeze your own.

              I hope you will find making these boozy blood orange cocktails a breeze. These cocktails are so delicious and I am sure your guests will think so too.

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                How To Dehydrate Your Fruits Like a Pro

                Have you ever wondered how to dehydrate your fruits like a pro to garnish your cocktails? Well I am about to share with you how to do just that and which fruits I love to use. This is such a fun and easy project. The end result is actually so pretty and so satisfying. Another great thing to note is that you do not need any special equipment. I know I definitely do not need another gadget or appliance! Dehydration is a method by which water is taken out of the fruit or vegetable by sun drying or using a special machine. See how just I nerded out right there! The method I am about to show requires only time and your oven. Of course you can always buy dehydrated fruits. However, it’s so much more cost effective to make it yourself. Also, the smell of the fruit dehydrating is pretty amazing and will fill your kitchen with a beautiful scent all day.

                First thing you need to learn about how to dehydrate your fruits like a pro is to select the proper ingredients. A few fruits I’ve tried in past are all the citruses, pineapple, apples, and pears. Since it’s close to holiday season this batch I am currently making will serves so many purposes. They will make their way into beautiful cocktail garnishes, add bright colors to a harvest salad, add texture to tablescapes, intertwined with greenery for fireplace mantles and on and on. I like to make a lot to share in hostess gifts, to decorate a gift, snack on, or use as a place card. See the possibilities are endless.

                Fruit in storage

                Here are the easy steps on how dehydrate your fruit Like a Pro

                1. Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees
                2. Select your fruits
                3. Using a sharp knife slice each one at 1/8 of an inch thick
                4. Arrange the sliced fruit in rows on baking sheets that have been lined with a Silpat
                5. Put the baking sheets in the oven for 4 hours for citruses and as long as 8 hours for pineapples
                6. Separate out by fruit by type and store in air tight containers

                Helpful Tips and Ideas

                1. Use a Silpat rather than parchment paper – You can use parchment paper in a pinch but I have found that Silpat preserves the integrity of the fruit better. I used parchment once and my fruit shrunk down to size.
                2. Some of your fruit will dry faster than others. The juicer the fruit the longer it will take to dehydrate. So for example, a slice of pineapple will take way more time than a slice of pear.
                3. Pro Tip – you can add sweetness, seasoning, or spices to your fruit to add an extra layer of flavor
                fruit as a hostess gift

                Dehydrated Fruits Are The Best Gifts

                Now that you have learned how to dehydrate your fruits like a pro give them out as gifts! My favorite thing to do with dehydrated fruits is to offer them to friends as hostess gifts. You can easily package them in mason or encheng jars. Clear plastic sleeves will do the trick as well. Don’t forget to wrap with the pretty ribbon for the finished look. What’s better than a homemade gift to show your guests how much your appreciate their invitation!

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